Can I Tell You...who can resist a Happy Bag?

Merging craft, color and culture is something I have always been passionate about and try to incorporate in my collections. While I was conceptualizing my Spring / Summer collection I was serendipitously introduced to Reese Fernandez, the founder of Rags2Riches.

They’re a Philippine based brand that has made a name for themselves for their use of upcycled and overstock fabric and turning them into beautiful accessories while lifting Filipino artisans out of poverty.

Michelle macrame bucket totes Photo : Angeline Angeles

There was an immediate synergy between our brands and our shared ethos of giving back to the community and working with locally sourced materials.

Over the course of a few months of Zoom calls, countless emails and WhatsApp messages, I am proud to present a capsule collection that celebrates Filipino culture, creativity, and compassion.

Each Michelle bucket tote is handwoven by artisans using overstock textiles that would have otherwise been discarded. The body is constructed from handwoven abaca and a macrame cage from upcycled fabrics. The stripe drawstring closure keeps all your belongings from falling out and an inside zipper pocket for items you want to safely tucked away.

Photo : Angeline Angeles

R2R provides 200 urban artisans from Metro Manila with sustainable, regular, and dignified livelihood. As a result of the consistent livelihood of artisans, R2R is able to sustain the education of their children, provide better food on their tables, and help them plan for a brighter future.

The Michelle Macrame Bucket Tote in Yellow / Peach. Photo : Angeline Angeles

Can I tell you…these totes are going to put a smile on your face. Say hallelujah, come on get happy.

In a world where fashion and design are often seen as excessive, this Rafe X Rags2Riches tote is proof that style and sustainability can happily and beautifully co-exist.

Can I Tell You...about Joy Moyler.

Joy Moyler with her #JoyWickerTote

I met Joy Moyler a few summers ago while she and her husband were visiting mutual friends in Greenport for the weekend. We converged at our favorite spot for oysters and rose’. I was immediately drawn to Joy’s affable personality and vibrant conversation. Joy is a celebrated figure in the Interior Design industry. She’s been on the Elle Decor’s A-List since 2019, AD 100 Designer and Hollywood Reporter’s Top 20 Interior Designers and a Contributing Design Editor for Veranda Magazine. She’s worked for some of New York’s most prestigious firms like Thierry Despont, John Saladino, Ralph Lauren and was the Head of Giorgio Armani Interior Design Studio. And if that isn’t enough, her residential projects include an A-List celebrity clientele like Pia Getty, Leo DiCaprio, Adrien Brody and John Mayer to name a few.

When I began designing my Spring-Summer Collection I was inspired to design a bag that Joy could wear from Spring through Summer. I know she likes wearing color so the bag had to be versatile enough to wear with almost everything and distinctive enough to stand out.

The #JoyWickerTote

Read our Q & A below :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

SLEEP and being stress free (though neither happen much). But I find happiness in the quest.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel, without a doubt.

3. What is your current state of mind?

Varies moment, by moment.

4. Whose style do you most admire?

Lena Horne, she was a family friend and her style remains etched in my memory.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

These days... a good nights sleep!

6. What is your most treasured possession?

My late Dad’s watch, and memories of those who I've lost.

7. Who is your favorite writer?

Robert Ludlum, I devour a good mystery thriller. Especially, with a political edge. Much like life I guess.

8. Which living person do you most admire?

No one specifically, just anyone who has the courage to get up and try it all over again and giving their best shot!

9. Where is your dream destination?

Jaipur - I cannot wait to bring back all the textiles I can carry!

10. What is your motto?

"Best of Life, Best of Love"...

Joy Moyler in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Judging from Joy’s radiant smile, I think the #joywickertote complements her effortlessly chic personal style.

If you’d like to shop her latest project, Joy launched a capsule tabletop collection Joy Moyler Atelier in 2020, inspired by architectural landmarks (Majestic, Dakota, Beresford) along Central Park West here in New York City.

SHOP THE SPRING COLLECTION!

Can I tell you...about Tracy Reese.

There are some people that you instantly connect with the moment you meet each other. That’s how it was when I met Tracy. Through the years as members of the CFDA we’ve been each other’s date for so many fun events. At one point we collaborated on a capsule collection of bags for her runway show. I have always admired her feminine style; the way she uses color and print. Women look chic and carefree in her clothes.

When I began designing my Spring - Summer collection I envisioned a kind of bag that would complement Tracy’s style. I think the #tracywickertote trimmed in white leather fits the bill. It’s so neutral that it goes with everything and is surprisingly capacious.

A few years ago, Tracy bought a house in Detroit and has been shuttling back and forth from New York while she embarked on new projects. The most recent is a responsibly designed clothing brand Hope for Flowers. In the meantime Tracy has been building her network of supporters and collaborators to support the core of the brand’s mission, which is to produce a portion of the styles in Detroit and offer free arts education for Detroit public school children.

Read our Q&A below:

What is your idea of happiness? A beautiful day!

What is your greatest extravagance? Taking time each morning to meditate and exercise.

What is your current state of mind? Pensive

Whose style do you most admire? My Mother and Grandmother.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Having a fruitful career doing work that I love.

What is your most treasured possession? My home (s).

Who is your favorite writer? Toni Morrison

Which living person do you most admire? Michelle Obama

Where is your dream destination? The south of France.

What is your motto? Be authentic.

If you love the #TracyWickerTote or any other style from the Spring-Summer collection, use the code RAFELOVES at checkout and receive 20% off.

Offer only valid for US residents and good until June 30, 2021.

Can I Tell You...Say Hello to Summer.

Nothing says summer like blue and white. It’s such a classic combination that always looks fresh on everyone. I love it in everything from small ditsy prints, stripes, ombre’d to patch-worked denim. Now would be a good time to start switching out your wardrobe; store those chunky knits and cozy sweats and replace them with lightweight and easy pieces. Here’s a few items s that I’ve chosen from my collection and from other designers.

If you like any of the Rafe bags from this edit or any other style from the Spring-Summer collection, use the code : LONGWEEKEND and get 25% off.

Offer only valid for US residents and good until June 15, 2021.